Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

What is vaginal health?

Normal things that affect vaginal discharge

The amount of discharge can increase or decrease at certain times depending on your monthly cycle, whether you are pregnant, or if you are sexually aroused or ‘turned on’.

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Things affecting discharge that can be a problem

Common causes of irritation include antibiotics, clothing, over-washing, or the use of strong soaps, shower gels or vaginal deodorants.

There are several vaginal infections that can also cause changes in your vaginal discharge.

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Signs and symptoms to look out for

Irritation, and any change in vaginal discharge could mean that something is not right. These changes may be:

• more discharge than usual
• an unpleasant smell, often worse after sex
• a change in the colour of discharge
• sore, itchy skin around the genital area
• discomfort when passing urine
• a rash, or tiny cuts in the genital area.

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Infections that can affect the vagina

Women can get a number of different vaginal infections. Two of the most common are called thrush (candidiasis), and bacterial vaginosis (BV) – these infections are not usually sexually transmitted.

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to get advice.

You can visit your local GP surgery, or a sexual health service (for example a family planning or GUM clinic).

Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and trichomonas vaginalis (TV or ‘Trichs’) can also cause a heavier discharge than usual, so it is important to get any change in discharge checked out.

Find your nearest sexual health service

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